Leadership in Higher Education - Apply

Office of Admission

Application Instructions

Candidates for the leadership in higher education (LHE) program hail from a variety of backgrounds, demonstrate a capacity and commitment to transformative leadership and share the common value to support the development of all college students.

Some LHE students enter the program directly out of college while others have worked for a number of years in various fields. Students are selected based on their academic preparation, relevant leadership and work experience in college and university settings, and personal dispositions/attributes that support success in a higher education career. All aspects of an application are considered and used as the primary means for informing an admission decision.

Baldwin Wallace University welcomes each student’s application for admission and will carefully review the academic preparation and achievements of each applicant. During this process, students must provide evidence of their preparation and fit for future success at Baldwin Wallace University consistent with academic standards and code of conduct statements for the University, program and profession.

The admission committee will review your application file once all materials have been received. Admission to the program is dependent on approval by the admission committee and the LHE program director.

Full-time and part-time candidates: In a written statement, briefly explain how your personal goals and professional objectives will be met by pursuing graduate study in leadership in higher education at Baldwin Wallace University. This statement should be single spaced and not more than one page.

Resume

As part of the selection process, please submit a current resume or summary of your work history. Include your community/school leadership and involvement. If you are currently employed, be sure that your resume includes your current title and general position responsibilities, and the division or department in which you are employed. The following should also be listed: undergraduate organization memberships and leadership positions, campus work positions, and your responsibilities and accomplishments in both of these areas.

Recommendations

Using the online recommendation form, please provide two recommendations from people qualified to evaluate your background and potential for success in a program of graduate study. Recommendations may come from former faculty members, college/university administrators, job/professional supervisors, or community leaders with whom you have worked. Select people you know personally, who are familiar with your achievements and goals in terms of leadership, motivation and dependability, potential for growth, communication skills, character and integrity. When possible, the recommendations should come from someone who has worked with you in a college environment.

International Students

English Proficiency Requirement

Candidates must be U.S. citizens or demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is required for all candidates for whom English is a second language. Minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based exam, or 100 on the internet-based exam, must be achieved on a test taken within the last two years. Register to take the TOEFL.

The score levels above are recommended but not required. Students whose English language skills need development may be conditionally admitted and placed in BW’s ESL program provided by the LADO international institute.

Colleges and Universities Outside the United States

Candidates who have attended foreign institutions must provide English translated documents as well as an evaluation of courses from a NACES organization.

International Student Certification of Financial Support

International students must also submit a statement of financial support from the applicant's bank showing acceptable funds on account to support tuition and living expenses while studying at BW.

Internship Approval

Full-time candidates

Once an application for the LHE program is complete and reviewed by the admission committee, successful candidates will be interviewed by the LHE program director and graduate student team. An internship approved by the LHE program director is required for admission to the LHE program. Interviews for 2017-18 internships will take place during our interview day on March 3, 2017.

Part-time candidates

Submit the initial internship proposal form along with a current job description. The initial internship proposal indicates that the applicant and the applicant's supervisor cooperatively created the proposal as well as understand the criteria and considerations for the internship. An initial internship proposal approved by the LHE program director is required for admission to the program.

Meet with an Admission Counselor

An interview with a member of the admission committee is not a requirement but is recommended for any candidate who wants the opportunity to talk more in depth about the program. To schedule an appointment with an admission counselor, contacts Winnie Gerhardt at (440) 826-8002 or wgerhard@bw.edu.

LHE Enrollment Confirmation Fee

Students who are admitted to the MAEd leadership in higher education program must confirm intent to enroll in the program by accepting their first year internship and paying a $200 new student fee within two weeks of admission. The new student fee is nonrefundable but for students who enroll, it will be applied to the first semester tuition in the LHE program.